A method for the preparation of a gelled polysaccharide foam, which includes the following steps: (a) the preparation of a mixture including at least one solubilized polysaccharide chosen from alginates, pectic substances, carrageenans, and mixtures thereof, at least one solvent of the polysaccharide, at least one ionic crosslinking agent of the polysaccharide, the crosslinking agent being not available, optionally a plasticizer soluble into the solvent, optionally a surfactant, and optionally an additive, (b) foaming and gelling the mixture prepared at step (a) by incorporating a pH modifying gas, and (c) optionally drying the gelled foam obtained at step (b). Also, the gelled foam obtained from such a method as well as the uses thereof.

A method for the preparation of a gelled polysaccharide foam, which includes the following steps: (a) the preparation of a mixture including at least one solubilized polysaccharide chosen from alginates, pectic substances, carrageenans, and mixtures thereof, at least one solvent of the polysaccharide, at least one ionic crosslinking agent of the polysaccharide, the crosslinking agent being not available, optionally a plasticizer soluble into the solvent, optionally a surfactant, and optionally an additive, (b) foaming and gelling the mixture prepared at step (a) by incorporating a pH modifying gas, and (c) optionally drying the gelled foam obtained at step (b). Also, the gelled foam obtained from such a method as well as the uses thereof.

The present disclosure provides a process for producing “cookable”, fibrous meat analogs employing directional freezing. The process includes subjecting an ingestible hydrocolloid to directional freezing for inducing formation of elongated ice crystals in which the elongated ice crystals are aligned in a given direction in the directionally frozen hydrocolloid. Following this, elongated ice crystals are removed and are replaced by proteins and any other additives such as supplements which are located in the aligned channels originally containing the aligned ice crystals. Once the desired amount of protein loading is achieved, the protein-loaded hydrocolloid is subjected to conditions suitable to induce gelling of some of proteins to form protein gels in the aligned elongated channels.

The present disclosure provides a process for producing “cookable”, fibrous meat analogs employing directional freezing. The process includes subjecting an ingestible hydrocolloid to directional freezing for inducing formation of elongated ice crystals in which the elongated ice crystals are aligned in a given direction in the directionally frozen hydrocolloid. Following this, elongated ice crystals are removed and are replaced by proteins and any other additives such as supplements which are located in the aligned channels originally containing the aligned ice crystals. Once the desired amount of protein loading is achieved, the protein-loaded hydrocolloid is subjected to conditions suitable to induce gelling of some of proteins to form protein gels in the aligned elongated channels.

The present invention provides nutritional supplements comprising alginate, preferably in combination with pectin, which will form hydrogels in the stomach when exposed to the low pH of the gastric juice. The formation of a hydrogel will lead to delayed release of sugars and other active ingredients in the stomach. The nutritional supplements can comprise high concentrations of sugars and complex carbohydrates without causing unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms.

The present invention provides nutritional supplements comprising alginate, preferably in combination with pectin, which will form hydrogels in the stomach when exposed to the low pH of the gastric juice. The formation of a hydrogel will lead to delayed release of sugars and other active ingredients in the stomach. The nutritional supplements can comprise high concentrations of sugars and complex carbohydrates without causing unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms.

The present disclosure provides delivery systems for functional ingredients, such as drugs, nutritional supplements, botanicals, and vitamins. The delivery systems comprise an ingestible matrix within which the functional ingredient(s) are substantially uniformly and completely dispersed. The matrix comprises foams derived by physical shear of egg white to achieve amplified available dose and improved release characteristics of functional ingredients at skin and mucosal surfaces for healthcare purposes. The disclosure also provides methods of preparing and using the delivery systems.

A dietary composition comprising (i) from about 40% to about 80% (w/w) of a fiber composition comprising glucomannan, xanthan gum, and alginate; and (ii) from about 10% to about 60% (w/w) psyllium is provided, along with a method and a food product for promoting satiety, promoting weight loss, lowering blood cholesterol levels or lowering blood glucose levels in a mammal.

A dietary composition comprising (i) from about 40% to about 80% (w/w) of a fiber composition comprising glucomannan, xanthan gum, and alginate; and (ii) from about 10% to about 60% (w/w) psyllium is provided, along with a method and a food product for promoting satiety, promoting weight loss, lowering blood cholesterol levels or lowering blood glucose levels in a mammal.

Legume plant-based proteins, especially pea protein, are used as a primary source for twin-screw extrusion to manufacture an intermediate moisture, texturized protein piece that can be further processed by controlled hydration and coated with a batter, breading, or coating to produce a comestible product. Protein is the predominate ingredient (70-95%) in the extruded piece. In the preferred embodiment, the protein is pea powder and flavor is provided by addition of yeast extract to impart beef, chicken, or pork flavor. Additional components in the form of hydrophilic polymers and alkalai are also added prior to extrusion to insure desired texture and handling properties. The hydrophilic polymers impart functional properties such as water-binding, thereby aiding in foaming, emulsifying, texturizing, and gelation, important to manufacturing an intermediate moisture texturized plant-protein product by extrusion.